Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their efforts to win the race for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, whom they are now in 'direct negotiations' for.
The Gunners did not have enough time to sign a permanent replacement for Aaron Ramsdale after his summer move to Southampton, only securing Neto's signature on a temporary deal from Bournemouth.
The experienced Brazilian has made just one appearance for Mikel Arteta's side this season, though, starting the 2-1 Champions League win over Girona in January and finding himself culpable for Arnaut Danjuma's opening goal.
Neto will be heading back to the Vitality Stadium at the end of the season, as Arsenal do not have an option or obligation to make his stay permanent, and Arteta is expected to pursue a younger option in between the posts anyway.
There is little chance of David Raya losing his grip on the number one jersey, but Arsenal have a couple of young shot-stoppers who could act as his deputy in Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard, both of whom arrived last summer.
Arsenal 'willing to pay' £17m Garcia release clause
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However, the sporting team - led by new director Andrea Berta - will most likely try to sign a new permanent backup, and Espanyol's Garcia has long been considered the leading candidate.
Now, El Nacional claims that Arsenal are 'negotiating directly' to bring the Olympic gold medallist to North London for the 2025-26 season, and the Gunners remain the favourites for his signature.
Twenty-three-year-old Garcia played a pivotal role in helping Espanyol win promotion to La Liga for the 2024-25 campaign, but his side are at risk of dropping straight back down as they lie 16th in the table, five points clear of the relegation zone.
It was previously believed that Garcia's release clause was set at approximately £25m, but the report adds that his option now sits at just £17.1m, which Arsenal are willing to pay to wrap up the deal 'as soon as possible'.
Espanyol are allegedly 'resigned' to losing their number one when the summer window opens for business, but Arsenal will still have to fend off interest from fellow European giants to land Arteta's 'target'.
Manchester United have been linked with an approach for Garcia, as have Bayer Leverkusen and Barcelona, although the latter may struggle to prise a player away from their Catalan rivals.
Garcia has kept five clean sheets in 29 La Liga appearances during the current campaign and was a part of Spain's triumphant Olympic team at the Paris 2024 Games, although he did not play a single minute at the competition.
What other positions must Arsenal strengthen this summer?
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A new backup goalkeeper is just one of four marquee signings that Arsenal may have to make this summer, as the Gunners should also pursue a new number six, left-winger and centre-forward.
Arteta's side are still considered the favourites for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, despite the threat of Real Madrid, while Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams is said to be their prime left-wing target.
Meanwhile, Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres has supposedly said yes to a summer switch to the Emirates, but Berta has been warned that Arteta would "need convincing" to sign the Sweden international.
Ben Knapton
